I do want to wish all my followers and readers all that Jesus Christ offers us this Christmas.
Because life is crazier than ever in the Hawkins' household right now and I still have "stuff" to do before tomorrow, I'm just going to direct you to Ray's post with greetings from us both. He has included his poem "Mary's First Christmas Ponderings" which I read at our church service last night.
I pray it challenges you as it has this "Mary".
Click HERE
Monday 24 December 2012
Friday 14 December 2012
I Just Want To Write - or do I?
Okay, so today it’s eleven days to Christmas.
Do I have our Christmas tree up yet? No.
Do I have any decorations up yet? No
Do I have our annual Christmas greetings sent yet? No.
Do I have our gifts bought. YES!
Why?
I just want to write! With about three-quarters of Her Outback Cowboy (working title) written I’m now at the stage where the hero and heroine have to get busy resolving their differences. Jennifer has to come to grips with what has happened to her the last few years.
David and her father need to know the truth of her years in Texas with her mother and why, when she became an adult, she never returned even for a visit to see them and the home in the Australian outback her sixteen year old self fought so hard not to leave.
Her Outback Cowboy manuscript has been waiting for years now while I wrote the Baragula series. Now I am impatient and longing to finish it!
So, today I simply have to get moving. Right now, Jennifer isn’t sure just where her future lies.
I know where mine is – at least the next couple of days.
Jennifer – and blog and Facebook readers – just have to wait!
Past time for me to get busy on preparations. These next days are more important than Jennifer and Dave’s story.
IT’S CHRIST’S BIRTHDAY TO CELEBRATE!
Thursday 6 December 2012
ACRBA - Novel Back to Resolution
I would like to introduce you to a new Australian author. It is always a delight for me to meet a new author whose books I have read and enjoyed. Meeting Rose Dee for the first time at the Word Writers Getaway weekend at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland last October was no exception.
It became obvious when listening to her that she is a very capable woman who has a love for sharing stories set in our beautiful tropical North Queensland.
Do read the following about Rose and her books.
Rose Dee
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Back To Resolution
Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled.
Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance.
The only person who can help her is a strong, self assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.
Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?
It becomes a race against time as developers try to take over the island.
From the glittering streets of LA, to the beautiful Daintree forest in North Queensland, to the idyllic island `Resolution', Back to Resolution is a romantic mystery that shows how far a little faith can go.
Website - http://rosedee.com/
It became obvious when listening to her that she is a very capable woman who has a love for sharing stories set in our beautiful tropical North Queensland.
Do read the following about Rose and her books.
3 - 7 December
is introducing
Back To Resolution
(Even Before Publishing November 2012)
About the Author:
.jpg)
Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel.
Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, Back to Resolution'.
Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women.
Rose’s other releases include, 'Beyond Resolution' - the second book in the 'Resolution' series. And ‘A New Resolution’ – the final book in the series.
Rose has also co-written a novel in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian Authors; ‘The Greenfield Legacy’.
Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.
Book Description:
Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled.
Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance.
The only person who can help her is a strong, self assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.
Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?
It becomes a race against time as developers try to take over the island.
From the glittering streets of LA, to the beautiful Daintree forest in North Queensland, to the idyllic island `Resolution', Back to Resolution is a romantic mystery that shows how far a little faith can go.
Website - http://rosedee.com/
MARY SAYS:
I have to confess that while this novel has intriging characters that I loved meeting again in the next two books and a very good story, I enjoyed the next two books even more. I even hesitated - well...at least a few minutes! - to buy Book Two, Beyond Resolution but was so glad I did. Believe me, each book get's better and better!
I am looking forward very much to future books by Rose Dee.
Sunday 25 November 2012
The Bethlehem Warrior Baby book
My apologies for being late with this to the Blog Alliance and especially this Ray Hawkins!
"Life" - which includes putting writing on my current manuscript first - has meant new blog posts will have to wait for those hours when the story of Dave and Jenny is stalled in "Her Outback Cowboy".
Ray's writing has blessed me so very much for almost 48 years of him being not only my wonderful husband but also my "minister" at church. In fact, the Christian life he lives day by day has taught me equally as much by seeing what he preaches and teaches in action in his own life.
This ministry to me now continues also with his 31 Day devotional book series.
Bethlehem's Warrior (31 Day Devotional)
"Life" - which includes putting writing on my current manuscript first - has meant new blog posts will have to wait for those hours when the story of Dave and Jenny is stalled in "Her Outback Cowboy".
Ray's writing has blessed me so very much for almost 48 years of him being not only my wonderful husband but also my "minister" at church. In fact, the Christian life he lives day by day has taught me equally as much by seeing what he preaches and teaches in action in his own life.
This ministry to me now continues also with his 31 Day devotional book series.
9 - 23 November
is introducing
(Even Before Publishing November 2012)
About the Author:
Ray Hawkins
Ray Hawkins, retired after over 40 years as a Churches of Christ minister, enjoys sharing themes from the Scriptures through Devotional writing.
Married to Mary, multi-published inspirational romance author, they have three children and five grandchildren.
Ray shares his insights in his first two books on Marriage and Children with more ideas to come about ministry and much more.
Living in Beauty Point Tasmania, Ray heads up a new Christian Fellowship as well as doing relief preaching, community work and writing.
Book Description:
Short Book Description: In 31 daily devotional meditations Bethlehem's Warrior
Baby takes you out of a sentimental nativity scene and into a contest with
eternal significance.
It walks you through God's promise in Genesis 3:15 of Someone coming and the
clues to His identity in the old Testament. You become aware that in the
Christmas event that 'Someone' has come.
I believe Christmas is the culmination of Heaven's countdown to reclaim men,
women and creation from the tyranny of sin, death and Satan. The cost involved
to God to achieve this should make the reader bow in awe and gratitude.
Baby takes you out of a sentimental nativity scene and into a contest with
eternal significance.
It walks you through God's promise in Genesis 3:15 of Someone coming and the
clues to His identity in the old Testament. You become aware that in the
Christmas event that 'Someone' has come.
I believe Christmas is the culmination of Heaven's countdown to reclaim men,
women and creation from the tyranny of sin, death and Satan. The cost involved
to God to achieve this should make the reader bow in awe and gratitude.
Website - http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au/
Tuesday 6 November 2012
Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance
5 - 9 November
is introducing
Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance
(Ark House Press March 2008)
by Mary Hawkins
About the Author:
Mary Hawkins is a best-selling inspirational romance author with other 825,000 romance books in print. During the first few years of being published she also had five medical romance novels released by Harlequin Mills & Boon before concentrating on inspirationals for Barbour Publishing (Ohio). Return to Baragula is her first single title and the first released by an Australia publisher.
Mary was a Queensland farmer's daughter, became a registered nurse and has a graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
www.mary-hawkins.com
Mary was a Queensland farmer's daughter, became a registered nurse and has a graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
www.mary-hawkins.com
Book Description:
Return To Baragula
Over the years Emily Parker's actions as a teenager have impacted not only her own life, but the lives of many different people.
Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community's respected doctor.
While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart towards the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily's faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
From Mary:
Thank you so much to Jenny Blake and Narelle Atkins for starting this blog alliance. I am so very privileged to be the first author to be featured in this way.
Do click on the blog name above to go to the ACRBA site for information about future events. Naturally, I am very interested in all the blogs including this information about my first book in my Baragula series.
Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community's respected doctor.
While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart towards the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily's faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
From Mary:
Thank you so much to Jenny Blake and Narelle Atkins for starting this blog alliance. I am so very privileged to be the first author to be featured in this way.
Do click on the blog name above to go to the ACRBA site for information about future events. Naturally, I am very interested in all the blogs including this information about my first book in my Baragula series.
Thursday 1 November 2012
Different Seasons And Times
Yesterday I managed to get my thoughts on “Need a Second Opinion” ready for my scheduled post for today on the International Christian Fiction Writers blog. Unfortunately on my first attempt at publishing it I had not scheduled it correctly to the agreed upon time that suits the northern hemisphere and for a brief few minutes in was on the blog site.
My sincere apologies to Christine Lindsay for taking the place of her post for that brief time! Fortunately I’ve learnt not to trust my ability at blogging so did check and was horrified to see it already published. I did remove it as quickly as I could and now my post there is scheduled to be published instead at 2am US Pacific time which should be 9pm tonight Eastern Australian time! At least I think it is but never quite sure because of the summer daylight saving here and there and changes everywhere!
The devastating storm damage suffered by millions of Americans this week really brought home to me that as we enter our third month of spring, the northern hemisphere is in the last month of autumn and yet have already had a heavy snow storm as well as a hurricane. In Tasmania we too often get early winter conditions in the last month, May, of our autumn and I am thankful our days are now becoming warmer – even if snow was forecast this last week on the mountains in Tasmania.
Each year, this tree beside the road we often travel on to Beaconsfield a short distance from our home shows the changes of seasons.
It looked so sad when it was just bare branches until a few weeks ago so only took photos during my favourite seasons – autumn and spring. This one of pale green was taken a few days ago. Each day those leaves will darken and in another few weeks will cover the tree in a thick canopy of green for summer over our Christmas and New Year period.
May those currently in a harsh and bare winter “season” of devastation in America soon see the brilliant colours of autumn as the “trees” prepare for the spring and promise of new beginnings.
I am just so glad that the “seasons” of my life, my “times”, are and will be forever safe in the loving hands of my Heavenly Father no matter what happens.
Oh, and the photo at the top is of a "season" we enjoyed in beautiful England back in 2005. It was a season of many rich blessings
Do view my post on the ICFW blog later tonight by clicking HERE
Thursday 25 October 2012
Nervous Workshop Presenter
I wonder if other authors feel as inadequate as I sometimes do after presenting workshops for other writers.
Fortunately I had managed to get a large part of the two hour workshop on structure of the novel prepared before illness struck at end of August. The last couple of weeks before flying to Queensland to the Word Writers Getaway I did manage to finish it but, being the perfectionist my husband calls me, I still felt under-prepared despite my nine pages of notes.
I did spend quite a lot of time talking about choosing and plotting a very interesting, intriguing story. There are many articles and even books for writers about the different ways to plot a story. This alone shows how important it is to study the elements of writing a novel before ever trying to write that manuscript – especially that first manuscript. I still need to study and try to put what I learn to ever improve my writing. As I try to finish my 19th inspirational romance manuscript, I know now only too well that trying to take “short cuts” in plotting a novel simply does not work! And there is still one of my manuscripts sitting in a drawer waiting for a rewrite after being rejected years ago.
It is also important to write only what I myself am passionate about. I wonder if anyone who has read my books have picked up at least one aspect of Christians’ relationships with the opposite sex I am passionate about?
Another essential element in creating a novel that has a good structure is choosing and adequately portraying characters. There are other elements of course we need to know about to try and capture the readers so they have to turn to that second page, but creating characters that make them care enough about them so they want to keep reading – and enjoying – the whole book is vital. I know my Creator knows me inside and out - even better that I do myself at times. So as the creator of my fictitous characters, I need to know them like that also.
Some of those other elements of course include choosing point of view, whether to use third or first person, how to make dialogue real, goal of characters, the conflict, the motivation driving the main characters, more hints how to create and maintain tension. In fact, each element needs a workshop of its own. Each needs to be studied. Then the writer has to try and put them into practice in that writer’s own unique style with the aim of captivating the reader for the full length of that book to a “satisfying and knockout ending” as James Scott Bell describes in his book Plot and Structure.
I highly recommend this book which is published by Writers Digest. The blurb on his website states:
"Since its publication, Plot & Structure has consistently been one of the top selling books on the craft of fiction writing. From story idea to strong plot line, this book will show you how to write a solid novel, every time out. You will never have a structural weakness again. These principles will free you to add your talent and voice in the most successful form possible. “The best book on writing I’ve ever read!” - Colleen Coble, Bestselling Author
This is available in print and e-book and there are other helps for writers on his website. Do click on his name above to go straight to it.
Yes, you guessed it! I am going to be the leader again at the Faith and Arts Creative Writing - fiction at the Tasmanian Poatina Faith and Arts week in January. Click here to go to their website.
Thursday 18 October 2012
WHEN WORD WRITERS GET AWAY
Writers do enjoy spending time together. Well, at least this writer always does and I love weekend conferences with more time for one on one fellowship.
 |
| With Jo Wanmer and Anne Hamilton |
All except one cabin bag has been unpacked, our clothes are washed and on the clothes-line but I am still sorting out books, workshop notes and all that has to be thought through after an event like this. I hardly know where to start sharing with you this wonderful time with other Christian writers, so am just going to mention just a few thoughts this time.
 |
| Ruth Bonetti with George and Rita Galieh |
My husband, Ray, and I arrived home from Queensland to cool Tasmania only last night from The Word Writers Getaway. This was organised by Rochelle Manners, the publisher of Wombat and Even Before Publishing books. Omega Writers is a major sponsor. The Omega CALEB book awards were announced this weekend.
All except one cabin bag has been unpacked, our clothes are washed and on the clothes-line but I am still sorting out books, workshop notes and all that has to be thought through after an event like this. I hardly know where to start sharing with you this wonderful time with other Christian writers, so am just going to mention just a few thoughts this time.
The original Alpha2Omega seminar in 1999 was the first time I met some of my favourite Aussie Christian authors from around Australia. This year is now the fourth opportunity to share together in Queensland and so there were many hugs with friends made at these events. It was exciting to meet new folk for the first time, including writers from New Zealand and especially those who have until now only been “internet friends” like Skye Wieland.
My two hour workshop on the structure of the novel went quite well except, as usual, Mary did not finish all her notes, talked too much and so no time for a second writing exercise as I’d planned! I have to confess that during the last fifteen or so minutes I was beginning to feel very weary – a left-over from my recent ill-health.
We talked about how important it is to choose an interesting, intriguing plot with believable characters and conflict that takes more than a letter or conversation to resolve. Hopefully the writers will study in more depth some of the techniques I only had time to touch.
Unfortunately time ran out before spending as much time as I would like to about including the spiritual elements when plotting a novel. Hopefully I did mention how important it is to show the reality of characters’ faith by how it is shown by their actions and not just having them pray and go to church meetings, etc. Of course, even if briefly, the GMC of novel writing had to be mentioned: Goal, Motivation and Conflict. I believe this is particularly so in the lives of characters’ spiritual lives.
There were sessions about book trailers and how they help promotion, eBooks, online presence, writing irresistible book proposals getting and writing reviews. I spent two sessions in the “Editing Room” talking to writers about their current manuscripts and look forward to future contact with them.
So much more to share about that weekend: the great book stall, the launch of several new book, the Sunday morning church service. However, I may share more another time but do check out other blogs about the Word Writers Getaway at Alexander Park Conference Centre on the Qld Sunshine Coast.
It was a busy time. I talked so much, enjoyed listening so much that only thought to get out my camera a couple of times! Dah!!
There were a few changes mentioned for future events like this. But more of that next time – perhaps.
 |
| Speakers and presenters of workshops and panel sessions. |
Thursday 4 October 2012
Getting back into higher “Gears”
Hard to believe it is a month since my last post here. It was an effort to write that one but I did have to share the important news of my Return to Baragula being featured first on the new Australian Christian Readers Blog alliance. Apologies to my followers and those who have viewed my blog since then.
Ever driven one of those small cars years ago you had to put the gear lever to that very lowest gear to climb up that steep mountain road? My little Hillman sedan did make it all the way from Toowoomba to Sydney back in the mid 1960s. It chugged up those steep mountains and raced down valleys in the highest gear only to face another mountain. Today’s cars and improved highways make that trip much faster now. This last month I’ve discovered that as our bodies get older they too need to be in “low gear” and it takes longer to make it up some mountains. That rotten large kidney stone which blocked the pipe caused a rotten abscess that gave me rotten blood-poisoning.
The second trip to hospital for over 24 hours got rid of the stone and stent from the last surgery but I still have to chug up some mountains in low gear again. I am very thankful that each day I am managing to do more and puff and pant less - in fact change to higher and higher gears!
Today I managed to help Ray to join Facebook. He is now a reluctant “Facebooker”, still adding to his Timeline page but is there at last! Despite his two hour round trips to visit me each day I was in hospital and spoiling me wonderfully since I’ve been home, he has still managed to post on his blog and continue to write more devotional thoughts for more books in his 31 Day Devotional series of books.
His latest book will be officially released to shops in November in time for Christmas.
These devotional meditations will open your eyes:
The baby born with a sword.
The conquering Lord.
The wonder of Christmas.
His victory in your life.
The baby born with a sword.
The conquering Lord.
The wonder of Christmas.
His victory in your life.
However we do now have copies of Bethlehem’s Warrior Baby he is selling at half price, $5.00 (plus postage). Do let us know if you would like copies. And you can use PayPal - see my website (which still needs updating!).
We are both looking forward to sharing with other writers in Qld at the Word Writers Getaway next week. This is sponsored by Omega Writers. They have just commenced an email group for members. If you are a member do join this Yahoo group.
Thursday 6 September 2012
When bad health interfers
However, do want to make sure you know that Ray now has his own blog with his first post up there today. He has a few pages there too which still need to be completed but he has made a good start! Ray Hawkins blog
Also I have been remiss in not mentioning the new Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance . I am so privileged to be the first one to be featured on their blog tour and do click on their name above and go to their blog. If you have your own blog, wherever you are in the world do consider becoming a member because this is your chance to receive a free copy of my Return to Baragula.
Here is the message:
I am resending as we haven't heard from many members yet. I know some have the book and if you have and are still willing to tour the book we would love to hear also. (it also shows members are getting emails)
Below is the information of our first blog tour for November. If you are unsure
just ask and I will answer questions but bear with me and if you dont hear until
Tuesday please understand, My mother passed away this week and the funeral is Monday.
To request this book please reply to this email and we will get back to you. If
you don't hear from us in 24 hours resend (due to personal issues this time,if
you haven't heard by Tuesday resend).
GIVE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND BLOG ADDRESS WHEN REQUESTING THE BOOK.
After the contact date is past we will put up a blogger list. If you requested
the book and your name is not on the list email us at australiancrba@gmail.com.
Tour Date: November 5th - 9th:
Book Title & Author: Return to Baragula by Mary Hawkins
Short Bio & Author Website:Bio:-
Mary Hawkins is a best-selling inspirational romance author with other 825,000
romance books in print. During the first few years of being published she also
had five medical romance novels released by Harlequin Mills & Boon before
concentrating on inspirationals for Barbour Publishing (Ohio). Return to
Baragula is her first single title and the first released by an Australia
publisher.
Mary was a Queensland farmer's daughter, became a registered nurse and has a
graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a
retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in
Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in
England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children
and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing
organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of
Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian
Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she
can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
www.mary-hawkins.com
Short Book Description:
Emily Parker's actions as a teenager not only impacted her own life but the
lives of many others.
Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only
to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the
community's respected doctor.
While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's
life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His
personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour
when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for
her hardness of heart towards the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily
and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily's faith be strong enough
to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
Genre: Inspirational Romance fiction
Number of Reviewer Books Available: 10 for Australia 5 overseas.
Contact Deadline: Friday Midnight 7th Sept Australia time.
Contact: ausjenny@gmail.com
Thank you so much to Ausjenny and Narelle Atkins for commencing this exciting new venture.
And now back to resting on the bed.
Below is the information of our first blog tour for November. If you are unsure
just ask and I will answer questions but bear with me and if you dont hear until
Tuesday please understand, My mother passed away this week and the funeral is Monday.
To request this book please reply to this email and we will get back to you. If
you don't hear from us in 24 hours resend (due to personal issues this time,if
you haven't heard by Tuesday resend).
GIVE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND BLOG ADDRESS WHEN REQUESTING THE BOOK.
After the contact date is past we will put up a blogger list. If you requested
the book and your name is not on the list email us at australiancrba@gmail.com.
Tour Date: November 5th - 9th:
Book Title & Author: Return to Baragula by Mary Hawkins
Short Bio & Author Website:Bio:-
Mary Hawkins is a best-selling inspirational romance author with other 825,000
romance books in print. During the first few years of being published she also
had five medical romance novels released by Harlequin Mills & Boon before
concentrating on inspirationals for Barbour Publishing (Ohio). Return to
Baragula is her first single title and the first released by an Australia
publisher.
Mary was a Queensland farmer's daughter, became a registered nurse and has a
graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a
retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in
Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in
England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children
and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing
organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of
Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian
Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she
can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
www.mary-hawkins.com
Short Book Description:
Emily Parker's actions as a teenager not only impacted her own life but the
lives of many others.
Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only
to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the
community's respected doctor.
While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's
life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His
personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour
when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for
her hardness of heart towards the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily
and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily's faith be strong enough
to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
Genre: Inspirational Romance fiction
Number of Reviewer Books Available: 10 for Australia 5 overseas.
Contact Deadline: Friday Midnight 7th Sept Australia time.
Contact: ausjenny@gmail.com
Thank you so much to Ausjenny and Narelle Atkins for commencing this exciting new venture.
And now back to resting on the bed.
__._,_.___
Thursday 23 August 2012
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE 2012 –
 |
| With Narelle Atkins, Laura O'Connell and Andrea Grigg - my generous host for Wed and Sun nights! |
I always come home sorry I’ve been so enthralled I forget to take that camera out of my bag but did get a few.
This “oldie” could not help but compare this conference with past years – years I’ve enjoyed and marvelled at too! For me this will always stand out as one of the very best. There are so many reasons and I cannot possibly share them all here except to mention here :
 |
| With Judy Griffiths and Kerri at the Friday evening 50's dress event |
Well over 400 participants (I think did hear 463 mentioned!)
The QT Hotel venue.
The professionalism of those who organised this event.
Many representatives from so many Australian publishers.
Excellent speakers and panels.
The usual fun Friday evening cocktail party.
The launch of Harlequin’s Digital First Imprint in Australia – Harlequin Escape.
Sharing with Ray's publisher, Rochelle Manners, at her workshop.
Applauding award winners – especially our generous Tas Roadshow speaker, Fiona Lowe, for her R*by as well as her RITA.
Sharing with Ray's publisher, Rochelle Manners, at her workshop.
Applauding award winners – especially our generous Tas Roadshow speaker, Fiona Lowe, for her R*by as well as her RITA.
 |
| Michelle Douglas and Judy |
These included not only those from my old Maitland writers group, Malvina Yock but Emma Darcy and Marion Lennox too this year.
Then their was the generous and lovely Helen Bianchin. What a privilege to meet her family at the Award Dinner, and join in the standing ovation as she received the inaugural Romance Writers of Australia Hall of Fame award was particularly a treasured event.
Then their was the generous and lovely Helen Bianchin. What a privilege to meet her family at the Award Dinner, and join in the standing ovation as she received the inaugural Romance Writers of Australia Hall of Fame award was particularly a treasured event.
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| Malvina Yock - Kerri in background |
I can only hope other exhausted writers home from the Gold Coast had as understanding husband as I did. And he had only moved one item of furniture this year - the cupboard with videos and DVDs to make room for my vase of flowers. Sorry, a standing "in-joke" that each time I go away by myself "things" are different in the house on my return!
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| Ray takes our 2 yr old and 10 month old for the wheelbarrow ride! |
FINISH THIS CURRENT MANUSCRIPT!
Sorry, but this will mean not as many posts here for the next few weeks - er...perhaps months too. However, Ray's blog is still a "work in progress" and hopefully will go public very soon.
And we are so privileged to be so involved with our beautiful grandchildren - the eldest even with Ray to welcome me home at the airport!
And Ray does have that knack of swinging that teething little darling to sleep today!
And yeah, simply couldn't resist sharing these photos of the grandcildren with you today!
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